This is the third consecutive year the university has surpassed funding levels with $13.9 million coming in 2000-2001 and $11 million in outside funding received in 1999-2000.

"This is a very impressive performance by the university and its faculty," said James Pyle, executive director of the Office of Academic Research and Sponsored Programs. "We are becoming much more competitive on the national scale than in the past. It leads us to believe that we'll have continued success in the future."

Pyle said the university has been increasingly successful in obtaining research funding because grant priorities are focusing in areas that Ball State places heavy emphasis, including undergraduate education, K-12 education, health and wellness, community outreach and educational technology.

"Not only are these important nationally, but they are also addressed as priorities in the university's strategic plan," he said.

Pyle attributed the large increase in outside funding to the $6 million payment received from the Lilly Endowment. The non-profit organization last year pledged $20 million over five years to help the university create iCommunication, a digital education initiative.

"The iComm award has seen many ambitious beginnings," Pyle said. "They will, in turn, provide opportunities for additional outside funding to ensure the continuing success of its instructional and research agenda far beyond the five years of the project."

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Pyle at jpyle@bsu.eduor (765) 285-1600.)